This Week in Urban Mobility

Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.

1. Rimac's Verne Robotaxi: A Luxurious Leap into Autonomous Mobility

Rimac is shifting from electric supercars to robotaxis

Rimac Automobili is launching Verne, a groundbreaking robotaxi service, in Zagreb by 2026. Backed by Mate Rimac and his chief designer Adriano Mudri, Verne aims to revolutionize urban transport by offering luxurious, fully autonomous rides. The service, developed in collaboration with Mobileye, features state-of-the-art safety and comfort, set to challenge even the most ardent luxury car enthusiasts. With significant investments and European Commission support, Rimac’s vision is poised to redefine private vehicle ownership and urban mobility.

The potential of Rimac's Verne robotaxi is astounding! This service could convert even the most die-hard luxury car owners, eliminating the downsides of private ownership while elevating all the luxury benefits. The involvement of Mate Rimac and Adriano Mudri ensures top-tier design and innovation. Honestly, I'll move to Zagreb in 2026 just to experience this first!

2. Amsterdam’s Bold Move: Zero-Emission Zone for Company Vehicles by 2025

Amsterdam to ban company vehicles & trucks with combustion engines from city centre

Starting January 1, 2025, Amsterdam will prohibit company vehicles and trucks with combustion engines from entering the city centre. This initiative aims to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air. The ban will initially apply to newly registered commercial vehicles, with private passenger cars exempt until 2030. To support this transition, the city will provide subsidies and scrappage schemes for residents to switch to alternatives.

Amsterdam’s bold move to ban combustion engine vehicles underscores its commitment to a cleaner, healthier urban environment. By 2025, the city will lead by example, showing how urban centres can transition to sustainable mobility solutions.

3. Paris' Gare du Nord Unveils Massive Bike Parking Facility

Un nouveau parking à la gare du Nord peut accueillir plus de 1 000 vélos !

Paris has inaugurated its largest bike parking facility at Gare du Nord, with space for 1,186 bikes. The covered and secure parking is free for annual Navigo pass holders, offering 712 standard racks, 440 wider racks for mountain and electric bikes, and special spots for cargo bikes. The facility includes real-time space availability displays, repair tools, and charging stations. It supports Île-de-France Mobilités' goal of equipping all regional stations with bike parking by 2030.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s relentless push to make Paris an example of new urban mobility shines through in this initiative. Her vision of transforming Paris into a 15-minute city with sustainable and accessible transportation options is setting a global standard for urban mobility.

4. NS and ÖBB to Launch New Night Train from Deventer to Vienna

NS wil nieuwe nachttrein via Deventer naar Wenen laten rijden

Dutch Railways ( Nederlandse Spoorwegen ) and Austrian Federal Railways ( ÖBB ) are collaborating to introduce a new night train route connecting Deventer to Vienna. Building on the success of the existing Amsterdam to Vienna line, this new route aims to offer a convenient and sustainable travel option, enhancing international train connections across Europe. The service will split from the current Amsterdam line at Deventer, providing additional capacity and flexibility. Passengers can expect comfortable accommodations ranging from seats to private sleeping compartments, making overnight travel both eco-friendly and luxurious.

NS’s collaboration with ÖBB to expand their popular night train service is a brilliant move for sustainable travel. This new route from Deventer to Vienna not only provides a comfortable alternative to flying but also leverages the success of the existing Amsterdam line. By splitting at Deventer, they increase capacity and flexibility, offering even more travelers the chance to explore Europe in an eco-friendly way.

5. Why E-Bike Leasing is Booming in Europe but Stalling in the UK

In parts of Europe e-bike leasing is huge, why is the UK at near zero?

The last piece today is an in-depth analysis by industry expert Mark Sutton on why e-bike leasing is booming in Europe but lagging behind in the UK. E-bike leasing has gained significant traction in countries like Belgium, where employees can lease bikes through their employers, enjoying substantial tax benefits and comprehensive packages that include insurance and maintenance. This salary conversion model has become popular due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Conversely, the UK faces regulatory challenges and cultural resistance that have hindered the adoption of similar leasing models, leaving a gap in the market for sustainable and convenient urban mobility solutions.

Mark Sutton’s analysis highlights a crucial opportunity for the UK to catch up with its European counterparts. Adopting successful models from countries like Belgium can enhance cycling infrastructure, reduce emissions, and offer significant benefits to both employees and employers.

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